Warriors Need Four Points To Reach AFCON Knockouts – Marinica*

Warriors coach Marian Marinica says Zimbabwe need four points from their next two Group B matches against Angola and South Africa to make it to the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Warriors lost 2-1 to Egypt in their opening game in Agadir on Monday. Tanzania-based striker Prince Dube gave Zimbabwe the lead in the first half, but Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush and Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah struck back in the second, handing Egypt the win.

This marks the sixth time Zimbabwe have lost their opening match at the Nations Cup.

Speaking on Tuesday, Marinica admitted the team had given Egypt too much respect, which cost them in the end. He said:

“To be honest, I was saying to the players in the changing room that sometimes teams that are this small are afraid to win matches.

“They are afraid to push hard as they did in the first half. Even though we shouted and gave instructions, the players still dropped too much, giving too much respect to the opponents.

“You cannot drop off. With these fantastic players like Egypt have, they will beat us, so we had to be aggressive and take our chances and not be fazed.”

After taking on Angola on Boxing Day, the Warriors will conclude their group stage campaign with a Limpopo derby against rivals South Africa on 29 December. Said Marinica:

“I believe in my players. I believe that the players we put on the pitch could have won, but it is what it is. It is just one match, and we are very proud of what we have done.

“Now, we have to move on and get four points from the next two matches (against Angola and South Africa).” _*Herald*_